CategoryToyota MR2 Spyder

This article serves two purposes. First of all, I am replacing the factory 29+ pound battery in the MR2 with the Odyssey PC680 unit weighing in at a “hefty” 14.8 pounds, effectively creating a 14.2+ pound weight reduction. Additionally, I am relocating the new battery to the front of the car to a location in between the strut towers. Without delving too deep into the weight...

Related Links MR2 Spyder Power Steering Removal (Part 1: Try Before You Buy) MR2 Spyder Power Steering Removal (Part 2: The Vented Surge Box) MR2 Spyder Power Steering Removal (Part 3: Disabling the P/S Warning Light) MR2 Spyder Power Steering Removal (Part 4: Summary and Final Install) MR2 Spyder Power Steering Removal (Appendix: Alternate Install) You’d be hard pressed to purchase a car...

This mod is the first step in a progression of mods that will ultimately result in the fabrication of a fully custom cold air intake on the MR2 Spyder. The factory intake makes a 90 degree bend after the throttle body and attaches to an intake box. After the box, a long, 2 piece set of plastic tubing snakes around the driver’s side rear fender well and attaches to a hole just behind the...

The lower rear braces for the MR2 Spyder are member braces that triangulate the control arms on each side of the rear suspension. These braces connect the frame mounting points of the arms together, effectively reducing the flex under corning and acceleration. As a result, the rear end will feel more stable. However, by increasing the rigidity of the rear, the car will also tend to oversteer more...

From the factory, the front of the MR2 Spyder has two braces that connect the frame rail on each side to the front cross member on the under side of the car. These two braces (or bars) reduce the flex in the front of the chassis in a fore and aft direction. However, this is one particular area on the chassis that could really benefit from lateral bracing so in comes Che’s Front Lower Brace...

The TRD front strut tower brace for the MR2 Spyder is a 5.2 lb, dual tube strut bar that reduces the front chassis flex during cornering. I have had strut tower braces installed on most cars I have owned and more often than not, only minimal suspension gains are found. However, the TRD strut brace on the MR2 is truly a gem and really increases the the feedback to the driver while improving...

Go straight to the weight chart Perhaps the two greatest strengths of the Toyota MR2 Spyder is its exceptional balance and light weight. Very few cars offer the shear joy that the Spyder does. In fact, owners often call this feeling permagrim and rightfully so. It is hard to exit one of these cars without a huge grin on your face. When tuning the MR2, it is very important to not only pay...

Introducing project MR2 Spyder (MR-S), my daily driver. I might as well come clean up front, I wouldn’t want you guys to think I am going soft, or crazy for that matter as the MR2 is not the best choice for a drift platform. It really is simple though, my passion for motorsports extends beyond the world of drifting. Not only do I love drifting, I enjoy auto-x, road racing, rally, time...